Duke of Edinburgh adventurers trekking in Tobago
Young Bermudians will explore one of the world’s oldest forest reserves, help to renovate a school and develop their leadership skills in Tobago this week.
The Bermuda branch of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award partnered with the President’s Award in Trinidad & Tobago to offer eight Bermudian silver and gold-level award participants the opportunity to complete an adventurous journey and residential programme on the Caribbean island this summer.
The group, whose adventure began on Thursday, will hike through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, visit seven local communities and learn about Tobagonian culture.
Declared a crown reserve in 1776, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago encompasses more than 4,000 hectares of rainforest and houses 16 species of mammals, 24 types of snakes and more than 200 kinds of birds.
Silver award contenders Neriah Bean, Ces’zinee Cox, Amya Pierre and Marseille Williams, as well as gold participants Chrishantae Dill, Imani Bell, Ashley Swainson and Vintage Lightbourne-Thomas, are taking part.
They are joined by aspiring award leaders Brianna Simmons and K’ari Bean, as well as senior leader Lisa Brewster and Karen Simmons, DoE International Award Bermuda’s programme director.
Ms Simmons said: “[Adventurers] will spend the night on a beach, wake up to beautiful sunrises and will learn about and experience the hospitality of each community.
“As part of the group’s residential project, we are also partnering with the Rotaract Club of Tobago to assist with a school beautification project.”
Wishing the participants luck, Ryan Eve, the chairman of DoE International Award Bermuda, said: “As an award tri-holder myself, I know first-hand challenges faced in completing an Adventurous Journey and how rewarding the experience can be.
“I look forward to hearing all about their time in Tobago when they return [to Bermuda].”
He also thanked the organisation’s many sponsors for their support through the years.
Open to anyone between the ages of 14 and 24, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards show students what they can accomplish outside a formal education setting and encourage them to make a difference within their community.
• To learn more about the organisation in Bermuda, visit theaward.bm, or e-mail info@theaward.bm
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